XLRE vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio) are both funds - XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector Index, while DFIVX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Dimensional. Over the past 10 years, XLRE returned 7.15%/yr vs 12.11%/yr for DFIVX. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLRE charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLRE achieves a 13.17% return, which is significantly higher than DFIVX's 11.58% return. Over the past 10 years, XLRE has underperformed DFIVX with an annualized return of 7.15%, while DFIVX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.11% annualized return.

XLRE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 12.05%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

DFIVX

• 1D: 2.28%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 11.58%
• 6M: 13.38%
• 1Y: 34.22%
• 3Y*: 23.51%
• 5Y*: 14.00%
• 10Y*: 12.11%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	13.17%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	11.58%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%

Correlation

The correlation between XLRE and DFIVX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.43

Return for Risk

XLRE vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 29

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 85
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) and DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	XLRE	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	2.42	-1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	3.26	-2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.43	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	3.60	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.69	14.00	-10.31

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLRE and DFIVX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLRE drawdown since its inception was -38.83%, smaller than the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLRE and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLRE	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.83%	-66.61%	+27.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-9.58%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.74%	-14.39%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.12%	-25.29%	-8.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.83%	-48.11%	+9.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.55%	+1.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.58%	-12.23%	+2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	2.46%	+0.57%

Volatility

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to DFA International Value Portfolio (DFIVX) at 4.48%. This indicates that XLRE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLRE	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	4.48%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	11.46%	-1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.83%	14.26%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.10%	16.36%	+2.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.42%	18.01%	+2.41%

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLRE has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIVX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLRE vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

XLRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than DFIVX's 3.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio	3.77%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.08%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLRE and DFIVX in my portfolio?

XLRE and DFIVX have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLRE or DFIVX?

XLRE has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to DFIVX (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLRE dropped -38.83% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 0.81), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.